Match Fixing: La Liga Confirms Several Arrests by Police

The Spanish police have made several arrests following a complaint by La Liga, about a game in May 2018 that was possibly fixed by “an organised criminal group”.

A number of players both current and former, as well as club officials, from Spain’s top two divisions have been detained, according to reports.

According to reports by Skysportsnews, the League said during the 2018/19 season it informed police of eight suspected cases of “acts related to match-fixing” and another 18 cases of players having placed bets on the outcomes of matches.

A La Liga spokesman said: “Today’s police action follows a complaint filed by La Liga with the Spanish authorities about possible match-fixing in a May 2018 match.

“We want to thank the National Police for the extraordinary work done to dismantle what appears to be an organised criminal group dedicated to obtaining economic benefits through the predetermination of football matches.”

It added: “La Liga continues to fight to eradicate any scourge against fair play in Spanish football.”

A lawyer for the club Huesca, who were recently relegated from La Liga, confirmed that various people there had been detained on a warrant issued by a local court in the northeastern town, but did not directly name those detained.

“We have not been able to speak to the president yet. However he will be able to give opportune explanations in due course,” the lawyer, Pedro Camarero, told reporters at Huesca’s stadium.

“Internally within the club we are not worried and are at the disposal of whatever the courts request of us. For now, we do not know how things will develop.”